In the early 60s, he was given a nickname by a DJ named Georgie Woods and it stuck. Just goes to show that as time goes by, things do indeed change.'īutler’s smooth voice, classic singing style, and sharp attire placed him in the tradition of his idols, like Nat King Cole. Funny thing about that is, a couple years later Tony Orlando comes along with Dawn and he puts it on the album just like that and it's a hit. Butler explains the title difference: 'When we released it, we didn’t want to call it 'He Don’t Love You Like I Love You' because that’s bad grammar. In 1975, Tony Orlando and Dawn revived the song, with a different title, and took it to #1 on the billboard charts. Together they wrote and performed the hit song 'He Will Break Your Heart.' (The band would later become Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions.) But Butler and Mayfield would team up again in 1960. Soon after the success of 'For Your Precious Love,' Butler left the Impressions and started a solo career. Butler slyly adds, 'and they found out they liked it!' When Clark agreed to play 'For Your Precious Love,' everyone slow danced. Shows like 'American Bandstand' helped launch musical careers back then, but Dick Clark had to be convinced to play a slow song on a show known for high energy dancing. 'In the days of rhythm and blues and rock 'n' roll, everything was pretty much juked up so the kids could dance and all,' says Butler. 'For Your Precious Love' was a surprise hit in 1958. He explains with a chuckle, 'The first place you can go and perform is in a church and someone’s gonna say 'Amen' whether you’re good or bad.'īutler and Mayfield formed the doo-wop group The Impressions and they made a splash with a song Butler wrote as a poem at the age of 16. Butler says a lot of soul and R&B musicians come up that way. He and Curtis Mayfield started singing together in church. You don’t survive in either industry without making friends along the way.īutler grew up on the North side of Chicago in the 1950s. After all, he’s survived in the music industry for over 50 years, and he’s been in Chicago politics for 25. John The Evangelist Church, Pittston, Pa 18640.That’s the kind of gracious response Jerry Butler is known for. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Prescription Assistance Program, 382 Pierce St. John the Evangelist Church (35 William St, Pittston, PA 18640). A funeral mass was held on Saturday, October 21st 2023 at 9:30 AM at the St. Visitation was held on Friday, October 20th 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Adonizio Funeral Home (251 William St, Pittston, PA 18640). He is also survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He is survived by : his wife Joan Dougher Butler his children, Jerry Butler and Lori Peters (Thomas) of West Chester, PA his grandchildren, Nicholas and Morgan Peters and his brothers-in-law, Joseph Dougher and Paul Dougher of Norwich, NY.

He was predeceased by : his parents, Gerald Butler and Grace Chiumento Butler and his siblings, Charles Butler, Geraldine Insalaco (Carmen) and Sarah Ann. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. Butler of Pittston, Pennsylvania, who passed away. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Gerald J.

It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish.

Jerry butler